Sisi keen to ensure citizens are reaping fruits of reforms, says minister

BEIRUT, April 10 (MENA) - Planning Minister Hala el Saeed said Wednesday that the recent increases announced by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in wages and pensions stemmed from his great keenness to ensure that citizens are reaping the fruits of reform and development the country is witnessing.

In statements to MENA on the fringe of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development here, the minister added that these increases are well studied and compliant with the high production rates.

The Forum is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) under the theme ‘Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality in the Arab Region’.

The great development that Egypt is currently seeing in many sectors means that the citizens should get additional income with the aim of improving their living standards, Saeed noted.

The State targets a growth rate of 6 percent in the coming year, Saeed said, adding that Egypt currently depends on many production sectors that contribute to boosting growth.

She also highlighted the great importance of the digital transition as part of the country's development plan, asserting that coordination is underway between all the State bodies to achieve success in the digital transition plan in the entire society.

The State will offer higher sums of money for the most needy villages next year and proceed with Sisi's initiative Hayah Karima (Decent Life), she noted.